#Japan #Tokyo #Autonomous Vehicle #For-It #Self-Driving Taxi

Survey on Autonomous Taxis: The Future of Transportation

As autonomous vehicle technology continues to evolve, the concept of self-driving taxis is becoming increasingly tangible. Following extensive research conducted by For-IT Co., a leading affiliate platform provider, a nationwide survey explored the sentiments of various demographics in Japan regarding the use of autonomous taxis.

Survey Overview

The survey encompassed a diverse group of 500 individuals aged between 20 and 69, including men and women from all regions of Japan. Conducted via online research on February 14, 2025, the key question posed was:

Would you like to use autonomous taxis once they are operational?

Survey Findings

The responses revealed striking insights:

• - The most frequent answer was “I would like to use it if safety is confirmed,” at 18.4%.
• - This was followed closely by “I do not want to use it much” at 16.6%, and “I would like to try it if given the chance” at 15.6%.

Gender Perspectives: Optimism vs. Caution

When analyzing responses based on gender, a clear distinction emerged:

• - A greater optimism was evident among men, with nearly 10% more stating they would use it if given the opportunity. This suggests a positive outlook towards advanced technology.
• - Women, however, exhibited more cautiousness, with over half expressing doubts or unwillingness to utilize autonomous taxis, likely due to concerns about safety and the lack of human interaction in potentially stressful situations.

Age Demographics: Younger Generations Show Enthusiasm

The survey also drew attention to the age-related attitudes:

• - Among respondents eager to use autonomous taxis, 13.0% were in their 20s, whereas 17.0% were in their 30s.
• - In stark contrast, only 3.0% of participants aged 50 and above expressed the same enthusiasm. The older generations, often referred to as “digital immigrants,” tend to be more hesitant in accepting new technologies compared to their younger counterparts, the digital natives.

Income Level: Higher Earners More Receptive

Looking at income levels, a fascinating trend appeared:

• - About 7% of those earning up to 1,000,000 yen expressed a strong desire to use autonomous taxis, while a significant 18.1% of individuals earning over 1,000,000 yen responded positively. The latter group likely prioritizes convenience over cost, reflecting their higher disposable income.

Global Context and Future Outlook

Countries like the USA and China are already witnessing the practical implementation of autonomous taxis, and as Japan develops its autonomous vehicle technologies, it seems likely that these will soon follow suit. While there are numerous benefits, such as addressing labor shortages and reducing operational costs, challenges remain, including system failures and regulatory frameworks that need to be established.

In conclusion, while the survey indicates a mixed sentiment towards autonomous taxis across different demographics, it also reflects a growing curiosity and anticipation for the future of transportation. The successful introduction of autonomous taxis could significantly reshape urban mobility, potentially allowing us to witness autonomous taxis navigating our streets sooner than we expect.